CES: BMW Unveils New App For Smartwatch

Auto maker Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (FRA:BMW) just introduced a new smartwatch application at the International Consumer Electronics Show 2014. The new app was designed for Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930)’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch and BMW’s completely electric i3 car.

Smartwatch technology for automobiles

According to Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (FRA:BMW), this will be a first as watch wearers will be able to glance at their watch to see how much charge they have left in their car battery. Drivers also receive text alerts regarding scheduled appointments or departures. Not only that, but the application will also push route details into the navigation system of the car, as well as check if all the doors/windows are closed and make climate control adjustments in the car if necessary.

The automotive industry is making significant strides in the tech market. Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet also made appearances at this year’s CES event. Mercedes launched an application similar to BMW, however their app was designed for the Pebble smartwatch. This app will allow drivers to check up on their fuel levels, where the car is parked, and whether the doors/windows are locked. It also alerts drivers on the move of potential hazards with small, non-distracting vibrations.

BMW plans exciting technology for the future

BMW also hopes to take the lead in automated driving technologies. At this year’s CES event, they showed off their systems that can be guided autonomously and control the vehicle as it’s pushed on the dynamic limit – something that’s usually only possible when steering, braking, and acceleration work in sync.

The automaker has also been working on improving self-parking technology. Hindustantimes added, “Off the track and on normal roads, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (FRA:BMW) has also been developing better self-parking technology. The latest iteration of the feature cannot only identify wide enough spaces parallel to the road for safe parking, it can now also simultaneously control the steering, braking, forward and backward movement required to maneuvered the car into the space.”